Computer Science at Capital University

Columbus, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
71 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
73
Optimistic
71
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $62,806/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (72% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (295,800 openings/yr)
ROI 5.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #244 of 345 Computer Science programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Science graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $937K $896K $686K
Earnings Multiple 5.6x 5.4x 4.1x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 73 71 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$167,152
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,340
44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
5.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,013
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $62,806/yr, roughly in line with the $73,713 national median for Computer Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

A 5.4x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 27% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Computer Science career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $62,806 far exceeding the $27,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

A #244 ranking among 345 Computer Science programs places Capital University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $62,806-to-$95,013 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Capital University

Capital University accepts 73% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 1,709 in Columbus, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $94,340 over four years — 44% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Capital University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Science at Other Schools

Other Majors at Capital University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 71/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Computer Science at Capital University?
At 71/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Science is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Science at Capital University?
The 72% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →